Panasonic Industry launches EX-M160 Series amplifier built-in photoelectric sensor: 5 V-compatible convergent reflective photoelectric sensor delivers stable detection and high cost-effectiveness

Tokyo, Japan - Panasonic Industry Co., Ltd. launch the EX-M160 Series in September 2026. The new series combines the company's optical design and high-precision mounting technologies to deliver stable detection and high cost-effectiveness.

As global competition intensifies in industrial equipment markets, including biomedical and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, manufacturers face growing pressure to improve performance, reduce costs, make equipment more compact, and shorten development lead times. Sensors must therefore offer high cost-effectiveness, reduce engineering and adjustment work, and provide stable detection even in confined spaces. By combining Panasonic Industry's optical design and high-precision mounting technologies, the EX-M160 Series delivers stable detection with reduced background interference while maintaining high cost-effectiveness.

We offer a lineup of 3 models that support power supply voltages from 5 V to 24 V DC and have different detection distances depending on the head shape. 1 model is equipped with 2 outputs: ON when the light enters and ON when the light does not enter, contributing to a reduction in design man-hours.

In addition to cable types, connector types compatible with commercially available crimp connectors are available. All models incorporate three protection circuits as standard, improving ease of installation and maintenance while reducing the risk of wiring-related failures.

Panasonic Industry will help industrial equipment manufacturers improve the efficiency of engineering, installation, and maintenance by providing compact photoelectric sensors designed for stable, reliable operation.

Convergent reflective sensors detect only within the area where the light-emitting and receiving optical axes intersect. This makes them less susceptible to background objects and enables stable detection of the intended workpiece despite differences in color or surface condition.

By optimizing lens and element positioning, the EX-M160 Series minimizes false detection caused by background objects. It also offers an industry-leading sensing range of up to 16 mm (*1) among 5 V-compatible convergent reflective sensors for FA applications. The compact series provides greater installation flexibility, even in confined spaces, and supports a wide range of applications.

In addition, light-emission power approximately 180% that of conventional sensors (*2) enables stable detection of challenging targets, including low-reflectance workpieces and black resin.

*1 Sensing range among 5 V-compatible convergent reflective sensors for FA applications. Panasonic Industry survey, August 2026.
*2 Compared with Panasonic Industry PM2 Series convergent reflective micro photoelectric sensors.

*Sensing range values are based on white non-glossy paper (15 mm × 15 mm). For other specifications and precautions, refer to the product catalog and installation instructions.

https://ac-blog.panasonic.co.jp/ja/fasys/cta-inquiry1

https://www.panasonic.com/global/industry

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